Fun to Drive commuter car

If your commute involves driving in traffic, you'll want a taller vehicle. Compared to a sedan or hatchback, the improved visibility more than makes up for the worse handling. RAV4 with the 2GR-FE V6 is very fun to drive. 276 hp in a compact SUV, with reliability comparable to the Taco.

 

Depending on your location I would pick up a Honda S2000. Mine has been reliable and the forums show that is typical. Parts are relatively cheap and it is easy to work on.

Fun to drive. Lots of available aftermarket mods. Drop top. And you will get all kinds of people coming up to talk to you about it.

You didnt mention your size, but I am 6'2" and I fit better in my s2k than in my taco/fj. I have driven it in my work boots(sz15) with no issues. Where as I have issues with my boots and Toyota's pedals.

 

My wife has been driving her '08 Honda Fit five speed for ten years (bought new) and I've never done anything more than regular maintenance. It's not the best looking vehicle, but has a huge amount of room inside for cargo and passengers, and regularly hits 40 mpg without trying (drops to 36-38 mpg in winter). Despite the tiny engine, it is fun to drive, handles well, is light, and the manual trans is the smoothest I've ever driven (150,000 miles and still on original clutch!). It has been a great commuter car for her, and probably will for a few more years.